Nike Art Gallery I

I’ve heard about this gallery for a while, even from my dad. When I finally went, it was amazing and definitely worth my time. I even got to interview the management, so it was a good day for me. I’m going to divide the gallery posts into 2 or 3. This post being the main one and the other posts will have the interviews, and the store.

When I was going I was a bit worried because it was my first time unravelling a place on my own. I think this was one of the best decisions I made. It allowed me meet people and ask questions I probably wouldn’t have asked if someone tagged along.

Nike art gallery is in one word amazing. I don’t think I could describe it in any other way. Its four floors is home to about 6000-7000 pieces of art and draws people from all around, both local and foreign to see it. There are also branches in Abuja, Osogbo, Kogi Sate & America, and they all have what the types of artworks they show. One of the major aims of her galleries is to promote arts and culture in the country and beyond, and she does this by showcasing these pieces. As an artist herself, she identified a gap in that sector and decided to fill it.

Nike art gallery is owned by Mrs Nike Okundaye fondly called ‘mummy Nike’ by everyone, and she built all her galleries on her own, and always stresses that it was without help from the government.

Remember how I said I was a bit worried going there on my own? Well I have no idea why. Everyone was very welcoming and nice. I suppose she surrounds herself with positive energy. Before I entered, I met a nice gentleman and his daughter who told me they are cousins of mummy Nike and go there almost everyday.

Mr Haruna & his daughter

At the front of the gallery, you can already see a couple of artworks, like a metal bull and carved animals.

They then ushered me inside and pointed to where mummy Nike was sitting. Despite being busy, she got up when I got to her and gave me the warmest hug ever. She told me to enjoy the gallery and promised to get to me when she was less busy.

Mummy Nike

Next up I met the manager Mr. Tunji who later gave me an interview and I was very excited about it. Watch out for that in another post. 🙂

He told me that out of Africa, Nigeria has the best art works and Nike’s art gallery was possibly the biggest art gallery in West Africa and I think has one of the biggest collections in Africa (it’s an amazing feat).

Most pf the art works in the gallery are by Nigerians and Africans in general, except for 2 or 3 as which are by Americans. Mummy Nike is very adamant about promoting Nigerian work.

He showed me an amazing wine bar, which my friend now refers to as a resolute desk after seeing a picture of it. I just want someone out there to get it for me as a gift.

Its a wine bar shaped in the map of Africa, with every country written on the top of it, and on the sides there are carvings of animals and depictions of Africans.

View of the wine bar from the top

While speaking with the manager, his attention was needed somewhere else and I was left to my own devices to explore.

Despite going on a Sunday, there were quite a few people there and I met a couple of Germans who were quite nice.

I’m not sure how artistic people would describe it, but its a a hub of art works and it is best experienced than being told. Everything from paintings, beads and fabric work can be found there. People who love art will definitely love this place. I had a great time there and I met a lot of people.

I also found out that they have interesting and different sorts of shows there like cultural dances, plays and sometimes people have events there. The manager mentioned during the interview that sometimes they dress visitors up in costumes and find things for them to do which creates a memorable experience for them. I met one of the dancers who goes by the name Alex.

It was a wonderful experience and I enjoyed being there. Already have my next visit planned out so expect to see more from the Nike art gallery series.

Random but useful info

1. Parking is quite limited. Depending on when you go there you may be able to park in front of the building, if not, you’ll have to look for parking along the street.

2. They open 7 days a week around 11 am and close their doors at 7 pm.

3. Most of the artworks found there are up for sale. Just ask for the price.

4. If you’re hungry during the visit, there’s a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat, and just relax and watch whatever is on TV.

5. Kids are welcome. Of course they have to be careful not to break or damage anything.

6. This goes without saying, but there’s no time limit on how long you can stay.

7. As long as mummy Nike is there (which is practically everyday), and not busy, she’s always open to questions and just general conversation.

8. If you have any questions or issues, the manager is always there to help.

9. There are other things for sale such as books, bespoke African designs etc, just in case buying art might not be in the budget for you.

10. Please don’t play or fiddle with artwork.

11. As an artist, you can definitely get in touch with them about showcasing your work or them selling it for you.

12. No payment required for entry.

13. You can have events there eg fashion shows, but contact management first.

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Unravelling Nigeria

Moonlighting as a travel blogger and loving it. I share my travel experiences and tips for travelling round Nigeria (I mean who knew Nigeria had so many tourist attractions?). Don’t forget to leave a comment if you enjoy our posts and happy Unravelling.
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